We are committed to ensuring that the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse lies at the heart of all pastoral practice, church management and recruitment.

Statement of Safeguarding Principles

We fully recognise and accept the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy Statement ‘Making a Safer Church 2017’, and commits to complying with the current Church of England and Diocesan safeguarding policies and practice guidance. In so doing we will comply with the secular multi-agency safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people and adults experiencing or at risk of harm, abuse or neglect.

We are committed to:

● Promoting a Safer environment and culture within our Parish and in our Parish activities by adhering to safe working practices and acknowledge the principle that safeguarding is everyone’s business.

In addition we will ensure that any individual organisation renting/using spaces in our churches for activities involving children, young people or vulnerable adults is aware of this, our Safeguarding Policy, and aware of their own individual responsibilities to have appropriate safeguarding policies and processes in place, including safer recruitment.

● Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibilities related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the Church in accordance with the House of Bishops’ Safer Recruitment: Practice Guidance 2016.

We will ensure those appointed to volunteer and paid positions are aware of the Diocesan and Parish Safeguarding Policies and are aware of their roles and responsibilities. We will support them by ensuring they receive Diocesan safeguarding training commensurate with their role and that they are fully aware of and have access to the practice guidance.

● Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation in accordance with the statutory child and adult safeguarding procedures and the House of Bishops’ safeguarding practice guidance.

We will ensure that any complaint made regarding a vulnerable person, who may have been harmed or is in significant danger, will be reported immediately and we will fully cooperate with statutory agencies during any investigation into allegations concerning a member of the Parish community or any other person.

● Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.

We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and/or isolation and provide them with details of local and national support agencies.

● Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.

We will work with others to ensure the appropriate support for them and those affected. Where that person is considered to pose a risk to others, we will work with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor to mitigate any identified risk.

● Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

We will endeavour to offer pastoral care and support whilst ensuring any risk has been assessed and is being managed in accordance with House of Bishops’ policy and guidance and in collaboration with the statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.

The Diocese of Exeter Safeguarding team can be contacted on 01392 345909. Their webpage is available from the diocesan website.

​Children wishing immediate help can also contact Childline on 0800 1111